Keosauqua hog farm could now require permit after manure spill

A hog farm in southeast Iowa run by an Illinois corporation has become the latest battleground between environmental groups, state officials, and modern farming operations that consolidate thousands of animals in confinement buildings.

The Maschhoffs farm near Keosauqua spilled thousands of gallons of hog manure into a dry creek Nov. 4 and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is considering fines and enforcement action that could include requirement of Clean Water Act permit.

Iowa hasn't issued such a permit to a hog farm before but environmental groups are pushing for it.

Maschhoffs officials say they've complied with state regulations and cleaned up the spill swiftly.

The DNR has reached an agreement with the EPA to enforce stricter penalties for spills but still has to develop rules for hog farm permits.

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